Ashley’s Trip to Chicago!
We asked one of our great StudentUniverse.com customers about her trip to Chicago. Check out what she had to say about her experience!
What did you do in Chicago?
On the first day, I spent a whole afternoon at the Art Institute of Chicago. When leaving the museum, I was already in Millennium Park, where I had a wonderful time. I lied on the grass of the Jay Pritzke Pavilion, trod water in the Crown Fountain and took a grimace picture before the Cloud Gate. I also went to the famous scenery of the Chicago-Navy Pier and took a one-hour tour of Architecture Cruises on the Chicago River. I was fascinated by the countless skyscrapers and fantastic modern American architecture on both sides of the river. Leaving Navy Pier, walking along the Lake Shore Drive towards the north, I found another symbolic and interesting place – Buckingham Fountain, one of the largest in the world. In addition, I went to Chinatown to try some traditional Cantonese dim sum. I was really having a fabulous time in Chicago.
What’s a must see in Chicago?
The Art Institute of Chicago is really worth a visit. It was founded in 1879, and its collection now encompasses more than 5,000 years of human expression from cultures around the world. It was full of different works of art from all over the world, such as African, American, Asian, Contemporary, European, Indian, Modern and etc. If you are a fan of Impressionism, then it is impossible for you to miss Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Vincent van Gogh’s master pieces, such as Self-Portrait, The Poet’s Garden, The Bedroom, The Drinkers, Claude Monet’s world famous Water Lilies, and so on. I was so excited and amazed to appreciate the master pieces with my own eyes and felt the emotion inside the works of art that the artists wanted to express. If you are interested history, culture, architecture, or art, then I strongly recommend you spend a whole day walking around The Art Institute of Chicago.
Most unusual thing you saw or did?
I saw the fireworks at Navy Pier. It is quite hard for me to describe the beauty of fireworks in words. They were playing in the background of beautiful skyscrapers, modern American architecture and the Ferris wheel and Merry-Go-Round. The gorgeous fireworks recalled me to childhood, when I took a Ferris wheel and Merry-Go-Round every Sunday in a local park in my hometown. It was really an unforgettable night for me.
What sucked?
Traffic! I was staying near the Chicago O’Hare Airport. It usually took me about forty-five minutes to take the CTA (train) from where I stayed to downtown area. Unfortunately, the CTA changed its route and closed a few stations on weekends. Then I had to take the CTA first, then change buses, again took CTA, and finally it took me about an hour and a half to get to downtown. Even worse, the bus was crowded with people and it was difficult to find a seat. I felt really exhausted from the long time consumed by the traffic.
Favorite thing in Chicago?
Wandering on Magnificent Mile and window shopping was my favorite thing. Chicago never fails to be called a city of Fashion. Magnificent Mile is full of world-famous, high-class brands. By browsing through windows, I got a vivid idea of new fashion trades of this year. Additionally, I was attracted by the new arrivals and eye-catching items in every boutique window. It was really a good recreational activity for me just seeing a lot of beautiful things through glass windows and enjoying without spending a cent.
Craziest thing that you saw or did?
On that day, the weather was so nice and the sun was shining with strong wind. Don’t forget, Chicago is called the Windy City. I spent almost an hour walking from Navy Pier to Buckingham Fountain. It was really crazy for me, because I drive a lot and seldom walk in the city that I live in now. But the scenery of Michigan Lake and Monroe Harbor was so beautiful that I could not hurry away. I planed to rent a bicycle, and then I realized maybe the best thing to do was just walk slowly along the Lake under the sunshine.
What was the culture of the city like?
From my point of view, the culture of Chicago is international and variable. It is one of the metropolises of the world. In Chicago, you can find people from all over world. How did I notice it? Because I tried Chinese Food, Japanese Food, Italian Food, and authentic Chicago food (deep-dish pizza) during my four-day tour. Further, the architecture of Chicago is combined with modern and classical. Chicago is energetic and now it is applying for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Best places to party?
Navy Pier was a great place to party which I would suggest. You can bring all your stuff and arrange an outside party in the park area of Navy Pier. The night scenery is really gorgeous and unforgettable. If your party is arranged on Friday or Saturday, then congratulations, you can enjoy free fireworks and music. How luck you are!
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